Tim Healy is recovering back in the UK following a spell in hospital after becoming ill in Spain and his ex-wife Denise Welch as assured he's "on the mend"

Denise Welch says Tim Healy is now "on the mend" after he was left "fighting for his life" in hospital in Spain.

The 64-year-old actor was airlifted to Manchester over the weekend after he fell ill with a mystery illness while shooting the next series of 'Benidorm' in Costa Blanca last month.

But his ex-wife - who was married to the TV star from 1988 to 2012 and with whom he has two sons Matt and Louis - has praised his fiancée Jo Anderton for sticking by his bedside and has assured fans he's making a good recovery.

Taking to her Twitter account on Monday evening (16.05.16), she tweeted: "Thank you guys. Jo has been with Tim throughout. He is now safely back on home turd and on the mend & that's all I'll be saying xxx (sic)"

Tim - who is known for playing cross-dresser Lesley in the comedy - spent four weeks in a hospital in Spain under the watchful eye of doctors because he seemed to be at death's door, but his condition made a dramatic improvement over the weekend and he was deemed stable enough to be airlifted back to the UK to continue his treatment here.

While Tim - who has played cross-dresser Lesley in 'Benidorm' since 2010 - has been showing signs of improvement, the show's bosses have reportedly decided to delay filming schedules until he's ready to return.

A source for 'Benidorm' said: "Tim is feeling much better after his spell in hospital and all the Benidorm cast and crew wish him a healthy recovery in his own time.

"Filming schedules have been adjusted to accommodate Tim's absence on screen, the show is currently mid way through filming the new series which will air 2017."